Several people have already applied for the open superintendent position at the Missouri School for the Deaf.
Former Superintendent George Stailey resigned in March. Since then, former assistant superintendent Chris Daily has been serving as the interim superintendent.
During Wednesday's Advisory Board of the Missouri School for the Deaf meeting, the superintendent search was a subject of conversation. Stephen Barr, an assistant commissioner of special education at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, updated the board. The school is overseen by the state.
"We all owe Mr. Stailey a debt of gratitude for his dedication to the school and for moving the school forward," Barr said.
The position was posted in early April and the state will continue accepting applications through April 23. Barr said that at least five people had applied by Tuesday morning.
Barr noted that as a residential school for deaf students, the job has certain requirements that must be met.
Barr said the school needs a superintendent fluent in American Sign Language who can communicate with staff and students, and who also has experience leading personnel.
"The superintendent position is not a training ground," Barr said. "We're looking for people with experience."
A committee including Barr, MSD Advisory Board vice president Tom Bastean, a representative from the MSD Alumni Association, a representative from the Missouri Association of the Deaf, the superintendent of the Missouri School for the Blind and legal counsel from the DESE Office of Special Education will interview candidates.
The group will be formatted to include individuals familiar with MSD and the deaf community, education and state requirements and residential schools.